Need For ArmsIn April of 1917, the United States declared war on Germany. Normal peacetime items such as food and clothing were already being produced in this country, only an increased incentive was necessary to meet wartime demands. But new factories for modern munitions production were needed, and four new plants came into existence: The Atlantic Loading Company (Amotol), Bethlehem Loading Company, DuPont Engineering Company, and the T.A. Gillespie Loading Company.

Bethlehem Loading Company The New Plant The construction of the plant was started on April 3, 1918. By July 1st, the first 155mm shells were loaded, and by November of the same year, 56,000 155mm shells were loaded and delivered to the war effort. The 8 inch shell plants was started up and the 75mm shell plant was 70% complete. The modern plant had 24 miles of track along with administration buildings, cafeterias, change houses, police buildings, and military barracks to house 1,100 soldiers to guard the plant.

Rail SystemThe Railroad had to be built soon after groundbreaking in March of 1918 to bring in necessary construction materials. This was followed by a town called Belcoville to house the thousands of employees. The name Belcoville was short for Bethlehem Loading Company. By August, a complete town to house 400 families and 3,000 single people was completed, along with a town hall, school, bank, bowling ally, and all types of stores.

Company VillageThe organization and implementation of the Bethlehem plant's construction was an example of the engineering skills, patriotic spirit and the abilities of the American workforce. The area selected was a tract of land stretching from below Mays Landing to Petersburg, consisting mostly of swampy land, totaling approximatly 10,000 acres.

The EndThe armistice ending World War 1 was signed on November 11, 1918, and the loading facility continued production into 1919. The end of production was signified by the removal of all usable steel and iron, such as the railroad tracks, and buildings, for use during World War 2. The concrete foundations and the rail beds are all that remain as a silent reminder of American patriotic response to a world crisis.The Atlantic County Park in Estell Manor contains most of the plant, and administration buildings, ruins of which still remain. Enjoy the park and its ruins, but please do not remove any artifacts.

Above information and black and white photos can be found at:www.aclink.org